Casper Blood Bank in Need of Rare Blood Type

The US remains in a blood shortage and blood banks across the country are in need of donations from universal donors now more than ever.

While all blood types are needed and welcomed, those who are type "O negative" are in high demand. Only 7% of the US population has "O negative" blood, so they need those holders to donate twice as often.

United Blood Services in Casper says last Friday 131 orders for "O negative" blood came in. However, because of a lack of donors, only 15 to 25 units were available.

Donors say there is no substitute for blood. It truly is a life saving gift.

The donation process takes about an hour. Donors must be at least 16 years old, 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors are also asked to eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating. United Blood Services in Casper is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.